Bathroom Counter Organization Ideas - Tips & Tricks for Organization

Keeping your bathroom counter organized can seem like an impossible task, especially in a small space. Between makeup, skincare, hair products, and daily essentials, bathroom counters can quickly become cluttered and chaotic. Implementing some simple organization ideas and strategies can transform even the most disorganized bathroom counter into a tidy, stress-free zone. Read on for our top tips and tricks for bathroom counter organization.

Assess What You Have

The first step to organizing your bathroom counter is taking stock of everything currently on it. Take everything off the counter and gather it all in one spot. Go through each item and determine if you use it daily, weekly, monthly or rarely/never. Be ruthless and get rid of anything you don’t absolutely need or love.

Once you’ve narrowed down your stash to just the essentials, sort the items into categories like:

Makeup
Skincare
Hair care
Dental care
Medications
Tools like brushes, curling irons, etc.
Miscellaneous like hand soap, lotion, candles, etc.

Getting a bird’s eye view of what you actually use in your space will make it easier to start organizing in a strategic way.

Categorize and Contain

The key to organization is having a designated spot for everything to live. This prevents that dreaded hunt for your toothbrush or favorite lipstick every morning.

Assign containers or organizers for each of your categories. For small items like makeup and medicines, use caddies, brushed metal trays or acrylic organizers to corral everything. These see-through options make contents visible but tidy. For bulkier hair care and styling tools, carve out drawers or a cabinet for storage.

When choosing organizers, select options that fit the available space. Opt for vertical,tiered organizers or hanging wall units to take advantage of vertical real estate. For wide counters, rectangular caddies and drawer organizer units maximize horizontal space efficiently.

Pro tip: Assign the prime real estate closest to your mirror for the products you use every single day like skincare, toothbrush and main makeup tools. Keep less frequent items towards the back.

Embrace Small Storage Solutions

The bathroom counter commonly doubles as storage space, especially in small bathrooms. Take advantage of every nook and cranny to stash necessities creatively.

Install an undershelf organizer on the underside of the counter to utilize hidden space. Use for extra toiletries, hair tools, cleaning supplies etc.
Mount a slim storage unit designed for narrow wall space, like wall-mounted bins or floating shelves. Store cotton swabs, cotton balls and other daily items.
Use removable wall hooks near the mirror to hang necklaces and other jewelry that you put on after getting ready.
Install towel bars on the side walls of the counter to hang hand towels or even blow dryers/curling irons.
Use a narrow standing shelf cart next to the counter to stack lotions, perfumes or cleaning supplies. Opt for one with wheels to easily move it.

Taking advantage of every square inch available helps the main counter stay clutter-free. Look at the walls and under counter area through the lens of “How can I better utilize this space?”

Use Trays and Baskets for Multipurpose Storage

Trays and baskets serve multiple organizational purposes in the bathroom. On the counter top, their corralling power tames messy products by grouping like items. Under the counter or in cabinets, they act like modular drawers for custom storage.

Seek out lightweight options like woven baskets, plastic trays or pretty embellished trays. Their portability makes it easy to remove everything at once and also rearrange components as needed.

Some savvy ways to use trays and baskets:

Makeup caddy – Corral daily makeup into a divided tray that can be removed as one unit.
Under cabinet hair tool organizer – Designate a basket for hair dryers, curling irons and brushes.
Extra storage – Stash backup toiletries or bathroom cleaning supplies in a basket tuck away under the counter.
Customized drawer organizers – Use trays to section out a cabinet for medicines, toiletries, makeup etc.

Mixing and matching trays and baskets creates a flexible, personalized organizational system.

Edit and Curate Makeup and Skincare

Makeup and skincare collections expand easily, resulting in a crowded counter. Pare down your stash to just the daily essentials you actually use. Here are some tips for curating:

Toss expired makeup and skincare – Check expiration dates and get rid of anything that’s past its prime.
Declutter duplicate products – Multiples just take up more space. Pick your favorite of each type and ditch the rest.
Remove extra brushes – Keep only the makeup brushes you use regularly. Donate or toss the rest.
Evaluate unopened items – If you haven’t reached for it in months, chances are you won’t. Gift or donate unused makeup and skincare.
Store only in-season items – Swap heavier creams for moisturizers in summer. Put away darker lipsticks in winter.
Fill in gaps thoughtfully – Replace empties with carefully chosen multipurpose items. An all-in-one CC cream replaces several products.

Keeping only the essentials you actually use and love results in a curated collection that takes up minimal counter space.

Establish Daily and Weekly Routines

Consistent daily and weekly habits prevent clutter from accumulating again. Stick to routines like:

Putting everything back in its designated spot after use
Quick nightly wipe down of the counter and sink
Throwing away trash immediately like used cotton balls or empty product packaging

Weekly routines like restocking cotton swabs or doing a deep clean of makeup brushes keep things organized. Also use this designated cleaning time to wipe down containers and reassess if anything needs to be reorganized or decluttered.

Hidden Storage Solutions

Lack of adequate bathroom storage is a common challenge. Maximize every inch by getting creative with hidden storage solutions.

Under the sink:

Install pull-out drawers to make use of the awkward space under the sink. Use for extra toilet paper, cleaning supplies etc.
Mount a towel bar or hanging hooks on the inside of cabinet doors to hang spray bottles or small pouches.

In the drawer:

Use removable dividers to section out one big drawer for multiple purposes. Divide into bins for makeup, hair care, first aid etc.
Adhere non-slip mats to bottom of drawers and line with trays or bins. Creates “fake” drawers perfect for organizing.

Behind the mirror:

Affix a small rack to the wall behind the mirror. Perfect spot for dried perfume rollerballs, brushes and other flatter items.
Install floating shelves behind the mirror – just make sure they don’t block lighting or outlets. Extra storage and decor in one!

With some creativity, you can discover storage potential in places you may not have thought of before. Finding new ways to stash items helps keep top of counter space clear.

Maximize Cabinet Storage

While under the counter is great for housing cleaning supplies and bulkier tools, don’t neglect cabinet storage above the counter. Make the most of this space with tips like:

For wide cabinets, add adjustable dividers to create mini shelves perfect for stacked bottles.
Install over the cabinet door storage. Wall-mounted racks or slots provide a place for bottles and extra toiletries.
Affix hooks to the interior of cabinet doors to hang accessories, blow dryers or even makeup bags.
Use turntables in cabinet dead corners to easily access items pushed to the back.
Add a shallow tray along the front of shelves to keep small items from rolling to the back. Use for cotton balls, Q-tips, hair ties etc.

Maximizing cabinet storage helps keep daily essentials within arm’s reach while hiding bulkier extras behind closed doors.

Incorporate Multi-Tasking Furniture

From vanities to shelving units, well-chosen bathroom furniture streamlines storage. Seek out dual-purpose pieces that organize while fitting your personal style.

A wall-mounted or freestanding vanity provides drawers and sometimes open shelving for toiletries and makeup alongside the sink.
Shelving units like étagères work in any space. Cubbies corral towels and cleaning supplies while open shelves store skincare.
Slim rolling carts tuck beside a counter or in a corner. Use for makeup storage and small appliances or to hold toilet paper and cleaning supplies.
Tower storage units offer a narrow profile but lots of storage with stacked open and closed compartments. Great next to the toilet.

Multi-functional furniture adds storage capacity while taking items off the counter. Look for clean-lined furniture that suits your existing decor.

Organize Drawers Strategically

Drawers are valuable real estate in a bathroom, so use them strategically:

Top drawer: Everyday essentials you access frequently like makeup, dental care, medications, contact lens supplies etc.
Middle drawer: Hair care like brushes, dryers, styling products since you use them less frequently than top drawer items.
Bottom drawer: Bulky extras like backup shampoo, lotion, razors. Items you only access occasionally.
Small drawers: Best for tiny items prone to getting lost like tweezers, perfume samples, fingernail clippers etc.

No matter how you divvy up the drawer space, use organizers like trays, dividers and non-slip mats to create order. This prevents a jumbled mess of rolling products.

Consider Lids and Covers

For messy products like creams, powders and nail polish, lids and covers contain the chaos. Options like:

Flip-top bins: Hide cotton swabs, cotton balls & other loose supplies in bins that flip open for easy access when needed.
Capped storage: Acrylic organizers with screw on lids keep messy nail polish, glitter and loose pigments under control.
Drawer organizers: Choose lidded dividers and trays to prevent drawer contents from mixing.
Hinged cosmetic organizers: Makeup caddies with hinged, closing lids control powder spills and keep items dust-free.

Lids simplify grabbing just what you need without unleashing a mess in the process. They also just look neat and tidy!

Display Some Items Decoratively

Organization doesn’t have to be strictly utilitarian. Work in some decorative touches to enhance your space:

Choose organizers with pretty patterns or colors that complement your decor.
Adorn counters and shelves with framed photos, cute canisters and vases of fresh flowers.
Arrange a lazy susan turntable with your favorite perfumes and lotions. Spin to find just what you need.
Mount framed artwork on the wall above your counter for a pop of color.
Arrange rolled washcloths or towels in a ceramic vase or pitcher. Nice alternative to a towel ring.
Use round acrylic trays or pretty glass canisters to hold cotton balls, swabs and other essentials.

With some style-savvy storage options, organization can be both functional and fashionable.

Organize Bathroom Drawers

Drawers are prime storage real estate in the bathroom. Follow these tips to organize them efficiently:

Categorize Items

Group similar items together – medicines, skin care products, makeup, hair care, dental care, personal hygiene etc. Assign a category to each drawer.

Use Organizers

Trays, dividers and non-slip mats create compartments to keep items in place. “Fake drawer” systems let you customize sections.

Store Daily Essentials in Top Drawers

Keep items you use every day within easy reach in upper drawers: makeup, skin care, dental care, etc.

Put Lesser Used Items in Bottom Drawers

Stash items you don’t use often like backup products and hair tools in bottom drawers.

Stand Items Upright

Store taller items vertically to maximize space – this prevents things getting buried and lost in the back.

Use Small Drawers for Tiny Items

They’re perfect for easy-to-lose items like tweezers, clippers, pins, jewelry, etc.

Close Lids Tightly

Make sure caps are tightened on lotions, potions and toners so they don’t spill or leak.

Clean Regularly

Wipe out drawers to remove product buildup, grime, and hair. Keeping them clean makes maintenance easier long-term.

Choose a Decluttering System

To maintain order long term, establish a regular decluttering system. Options include:

Monthly purge: Quickly sort through items, toss anything expired and donate unused products on a monthly basis.
Yearly deep clean: Do a major declutter once a year – sort through ALL products, wipe down all containers, thoroughly clean drawers, etc.
Seasonal swap: Rotating lighter everyday products suitable for summer and winter prevents clutter from built up unused items.
One in, one out: Limit yourself to only purchasing a new product after you’ve used up an existing item. Prevents overflow.
Expiration checks: Periodically check beauty and skincare items for expiration dates. Toss anything that’s past its prime.

Consistently purging unused, expired and duplicate items keeps the clutter monsters away for good.

Make Use of Wall Space

In small bathrooms, wall space is prime real estate. Make use of vertical storage with solutions like:

Wall Shelves

Floating shelves provide a place for folded towels, toiletries and decorative items. Stagger shelving at different heights.

Hanging Storage

Hanging wall cabinets with doors provide concealed storage for medicines, first aid supplies and personal care items.

Wall Hooks

Hooks allow you to hang bathrobes, towels, necklaces – anything you need quick access to.

Ladder Shelves

Leaning ladder shelves fit in a corner or narrow wall space. Use for folded towels, self-care products, candles, etc.

Wall-Mounted Organizers

Wall mounted bins provide storage for small items like cotton pads, Qtips, hair accessories. Great next to the vanity.

Bathroom Cabinet

A full cabinet mounted on the wall provides ample space for necessities and gets them off the counter.

Space-Saving Mirrors

Mirrors with built-in storage behind are ultra-functional for small bathrooms.

Maximizing wall space with floating shelves, wall-mounted cabinets and other vertical storage is a smart way to free up counter surface.

Store Items Near Point of Use

Store items where you actually use them in your morning or evening routine. Some examples:

Cotton balls, swabs, face wipes by the sink
Perfumes, cologne near the shower
Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss by the toilet
Shaving cream, razors in the shower or near the sink
Hair styling tools by the outlet where you blow dry and style

Grouping necessities near their point of use eliminates rummaging around multiple zones. Everything you need is within arm’s reach.

Add Task Lighting

Proper lighting is key for tasks like putting on makeup and doing detail work like plucking eyebrows or painting nails. Make sure your bathroom is well-lit with:

Well-placed overhead ceiling fixtures positioned near the mirror/sink
Extra lighting installed around the mirror if needed – sconces or a lighted mirror
Dimmable bulbs to control brightness as needed
Portable magnification mirrors with built-in lighting for precision grooming tasks
Nightlights to safely navigate in the dark without turning on harsh overhead lights

With proper task lighting, you can complete your bathroom routine without eyestrain or shadows.

Maintain Proper Bathroom Storage Hygiene

Prevent bacteria and mold growth with proper storage hygiene:

Dry surfaces after steam from showering and bathing using a squeegee or towel. This discourages mold growth.
Allow wet items like loofahs, toilet brushes, shower poufs to dry fully before storing. Don’t trap damp items in cabinets.
Clean storage containers and organizers regularly using antibacterial cleaners.
Replace items like makeup sponges, loofahs, and toothbrushes regularly. Don’t use items past their prime.
Store bathroom linens in open bins or on open hooks. Avoid sealing in dampness.
Keep bathrooms well-ventilated with fans and prevent humidity buildup.

Following a careful hygiene regimen keeps your organized space sanitary and fresh.

FAQs About Bathroom Counter Organization:

How can I organize a small bathroom counter?

Maximize vertical storage with wall shelves and hanging bins. Keep just daily essentials on the counter. Use stackable organizers and trays. Store bulk items under counter or in cabinets.

How do you organize makeup brushes and products?

Store brushes handle side down in cups/jars to dry. Sort makeup in trays or clear organizer drawers. Stand palettes upright so you can see them. Assign everyday items to top drawers or shelving.

How should you organize a medicine cabinet?

Stack bottles in door shelves vertically. Use small bins or trays to group similar items. Place most frequently used meds on eye-level shelves. Check expiration dates monthly when decluttering.

How do you organize under the bathroom sink?

Install pull out drawers for easy access. Use hanging buckets to hold spray cleaners. Divide space into zones using trays – cleaning supplies, hair care, first aid etc.

How do you organize bathroom towels?

Roll towels neatly and store upright in a bin or basket to maximize space. Add woven wall shelves for neatly folded stacks. Use hooks on the wall or door for hanging towels within arm’s reach.

Bathroom Counter Organization Ideas – Tips & Tricks for Organization